As we’re heading into Grammy weekend, we’re anxiously waiting to see the winners and snubs of the awards… and hopefully not another awkward interruption from Kanye West.
This week we highlight an eclectic mix — from 50 cent and Fat Joe to a Gary Clark Jr song featuring southern rapper Big K.R.I.T. Check out the lines of the week:
A lil’ flashback and respect to classic hip hop and the beats that J.Dilla revolutionized. Phife references Mobb Deep’s Shook One’s that dropped in 1994, which was also the instrumental used in the final scene of the movie “8 Mile”.
K.R.I.T. hails from Mississippi and he’s all about positivity. If you’re not down for pushing things forward and pursuing your dreams, he’s not down with you.
Verified Rap Genius artist Bishop Nehru shouts out electronic duo Disclosure who produced this track. Disclosure took over 2013 with their critically acclaimed album, and Bishop is looking to take over the whole solar system in 2014…watch out!
Back in 2007, 50 and ‘Ye battled for record sales even though Kanye ultimately came out on top. Today, 50’s saying every time he speaks it becomes a hit record, rather than a visionary stream of consciousness ala Kanye. Let’s just say it’s a tie.
1. “On Figueroa, close your eyes, might need ya mommy” — Schoolboy Q, ‘Break the Bank’
This track almost broke the Internet when it dropped, as ScHoolboy Q gives us another single off his upcoming album. Q grew up on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, and he admits that was not always the safest place.